ABOUT US

Vanessa Simpson

Chief Executive/Registrar | Tumuaki/Pouroki

Vanessa Simpson is the Board’s Chief Executive/Registrar. She is responsible for Secretariat Leadership and the regulatory functions of the organisation. Vanessa joined the NZ Psychologists Board in October 2022 bringing a background of leadership and governance across the ambulance and health sectors.

Brian Emery

Cultural Adviser | Kaitohutohu Tikanga-ā-Iwi

No Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Matakore, Ngati Haua, Ngati Kauwhata. Ko Brian Te Rauroha Emery. He is an independent consultant, auditor and surveyor of health services for Nga Paerewa Health and Disability standards. Previously he was General Manager Support Services for Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau January 2012 to May 2013. Brian was Quality and Risk Manager from 2004 to 2012 for Te Roopu Taurima and Eastern Access Community Health, Melbourne. From 1997 to 2003 he was Manager Maori Mental Health, and Group Manager Maori Health at Counties Manukau DHB. From 1999 to 2005 he was auditor/surveyor/team leader for Quality Health NZ. He has served on several boards for schools, education and training, health services, disabilities, and Maori health.

Zen Williamson

Kaiāwhina Tumu | Executive Assistant

Zen comes to us from Spark where she provided executive level support to three directors. Zen’s work will incorporate the Board Secretary and Accounts duties as well and providing valuable CEO support.

Justine Croxen

Psychology Advisor | Kaitohutohu Mātai Hinengaro

Justine has been employed by NZPB on a contract basis (for 3 months initially) to support the Psychology Advisors workload. In particular, to ensure BAU continues during the busy phase of developing the Psychology Assistant Project model.

Justine is a clinical psychologist, practising across a broad range of settings, both in public and private sectors in the UK and NZ. She also has Family Court Report writing experience. Justine has chaired several PCCs for us so comes with familiarity of that area of our work.

Gilly

Registration and Standards Coordinator | Kaituitui Rehita me nga Paerewa

Kia ora koutou – My name is Gilly and my role as Registration and Standards Coordinator is to initially review and process applications for psychologists and practising certificates who want to practice here in Aotearoa. I am also responsible for the coordination of the Continuing Competence Programme audit and work together with Psychology Advisors to manage conduct, competence and fitness cases.

Joanne Henare

Lived Experience/Whānau/Consumer Advisor

Joanne supported PSAG with their work last year and is now offering valuable lived experience to the Board through the Assistant Psychologist model. Joanne is instrumental in ensuring that the lived experience voice is heard and linking NZPB with key Māori and consumer contacts.